Category Archives: Roofing Problems

If you’re searching for common roofing problems you’ve probably found a leak or your roof has been damaged. Keeping an eye on your roofing for the top fifteen roof problems could be significant to saving yourself a good chunk of cash that you would have to put out for your roof to be completely replaced.

If the roofing materials are incorrectly installed it will increase the chance for problems later on, not to mention reduce the life expectancy of your roof. A professional roof installer can check your roof out and let you know whether or not it has been installed correctly or not. General contractors can also help repair the most common roof problems.

Top 20 Most Common Roofing Problems:

 1. Leaks and Moisture

All things that are weather blown, such as rain, hail, ice, snow, wind, and of course, debris, and many other things; can all create moisture in between the layers of your roofing, causing several different bad things to happen. The things that would be the worse are leaks, mold, and rotting.

2. Improperly Installed Flashing

The areas of your roof that have been penetrated, such as the skylights, vent pipes, heating system, cooling system, and chimneys (referred to as the flashing). A poorly attached flashing will usually end up causing the roofing to have open seams and laps that will eventually allow the wind to blow the tiles off. If the flashing has been installed incorrectly, the roof will have less protection, leaving it with reduced puncture resistance.

3. Critters

You would be surprised if you knew just how much damage small animals are able to make to your roof, like insects and birds, and many others. It would be best to deter all small animals before things get worse.

4. Ponding Water

If you notice water that ponds, and are staying on your roof, you can take it as a sure sign that you have a problem. Having a build-up of debris is one common cause, and another reason could be that the water is unable to drain properly due to improper cleaning of the HVAC units and/or gutters. If you suspect a leak, have a roof leak detection company to come out and see if you have any ponding water is a good idea.

5. Punctures and Penetrations

Punctures in the roof material can be caused by hail and wind damage. After the completion of the roofing, the sealant and flashing are added around the penetration areas, such as vents for appliances, the HVAC, and anything else built-in to the roof. All these things need to be checked on a regular basis.

6. Trees

The protective top layer of the roofing can be damaged by the limbs of a tree rubbing on the roof, causing the surface of roof shingles to abrade, which wears off the protective top layer. Tree branches can cause even worse problems to a roof should they fall. It is always a good idea to keep tree limbs and branches trimmed so that they are not at a distance to create such problems if they were to fall, and should a tree be close enough to a house that this cannot be prevented, remove it.

There are a few roofers who will install walk areas onto the roof as it is being laid, this is done by laying a double amount of the roofing materials down and it will allow access without worrying about the damage walking on the roof can cause when access is needed to things such as the HVAC, and etc.

7.  Ventilation

An important part of laying a roof is putting in a ventilation system in the attic, making the roof last longer. The way that it helps in making the roof last longer is because it helps in regulating the moisture that builds up in the attic space, which can cause damage to the sheathing, insulation, rafters, shingles, mold & mildew, and of course, the cost of energy. In order to create ventilation in the attic space vents are installed at the time the roof is being laid. These vents can be placed in several different areas, such as the base part of the roof (near the gutters, eaves, or soffits), and somewhere near the top of the roof (at the ridge). This lets the warm air get out and the cooler air come in, it is a natural process once the vents are in place.

8. Shrinkage and Blistering

The roof membrane is located under the tiles and shingles, and if these begin to shrinks, and this will usually create cracks and/or crazing to the upper layer. However, ridging, blistering, surface erosion, and splitting of shingles may eventually create much bigger issues in your roof.

9. Improper or Lack of Maintenance

The worst you can do for your roof is to ignore the regular maintenance of it. The problems will usually begin by not keeping the gutters cleaned out on a regular basis, and keeping your roof clear of debris such as tree limbs and branches, which could fall onto the roof. If these things are not being properly taking care of your roof could be in for some more serious damage, and costlier. So you should keep in mind, the importance of regular inspections, and the regular maintenance of your roof, as these things can extend the life of your roof and save you a bundle of money.

10. Drainage Problems

Poor drainage can lead to a number of issues, including water damage. If your home has a flat roof, you will need to watch your ceiling for water stains as they will indicate that water is pooling on your roof after a rainstorm. If your roof is slanted be sure to keep the gutters clear to prevent water from backing up and leaking through cracks in the roofing.

11. Billowing, Tenting and Blow-Offs

When your roof is not properly attached to the substrate, the seams can get exposed to the elements causing parts of the roof or worst case scenario, the entire roof to blow off. These problems can usually be found in single-ply roofing systems. To bypass these problems, your roof must be able to withstand high winds. Getting your roof inspected can prevent a lot of these from happening.

12. Missing or Damaged Shingles

Sometimes, shingles can go missing due to the elements, wearing off the protective surface, or the activities of animals. In these situations, some shingles may crack or break, and fall apart or simply go missing. You can hire a roofing company to repair or replace your shingles with new ones or cut the shingle into sections and replacing a single tab.

13.Ventilation

Your roof should not block off the flow of air into your home entirely. Ventilation needs to be included under the eaves to make sure that your attic doesn’t become too humid, causing mold to grow. When roofs are installed, soffits, vents and other necessary measures should be installed, make sure enough air flows through the attic.

14. Holes in Roof

Debris from high winds can produce holes in your roof. Open holes welcome in not only rain and wind but insects and other small problem animals as well. In addition, your house’s heating and cooling bill could double due to leaks from your air conditioner and/ or heater. Identify and repair holes quickly when they happen.

15. Loss of Granules

Common asphalt shingles have tiny granules that absorb UV radiation and protect the roof from the elements. If the granules begin to fall off, the integrity of your roof begins to waver. Check to see if you have any bald spots on your roof if you begin to have problems.

16. Roof Repair is Expensive

The kind of roof you have will greatly influence the cost of repair and replacement. Remember, roofs can be flat or sloped, low pitch or high pitch, shingled or made from metal, sometimes even something else! The cost of roofing materials can vary greatly among the many different roof types. Some types of roof require more materials and labor than other types.

On the less expensive end of the scale, you are looking at around $120 per 100 square feet for asphalt shingles. Conversely, shingles made from white slate average around $900 per 100 square feet with prices ranging from $800 to $1,000 for 100 square feet. However, tile shingles, run an average of $400 per 100 square feet. if you are the owner of a metal rood, you will be looking at an average cost of $1,500 per 100 square feet.

17. You Need Permits For Roofing Repair

You will need to check out the prices of permits in your area. In certain areas, there may be a flat rate price. In other places, it may be based on the value of the home or the size of the home. Either way, the roofer may need to obtain permits for repairs. be sure to make sure the costs of city permits wherever you live. Consider this as well. In some coastal areas, you may require a separate permit in order to have protection for your home from tropical storms and hurricanes. Straps and braces for hurricanes may be mandatory in these areas, adding several hundreds of dollars to the cost. So, a 1,300 square geet roof repair permit may run between $150 to $400 or more, depending on where the house is located.

18. Large Roofs Cost a Lot to Repair

Obviously one of the biggest factors in the determination of the final price you will pay is the size of the repair to be completed. As a rule of thumbs, roofing contractors use the square footage of a roof when pricing the job. In roofing terminology, a square is known as a 10-foot square area. Roof shingles, (unsurprisingly) are sold by the square. So you can expect to be charged for a square even if your repair is smaller than 10 square feet. That said, the contractor should give you the leftover material. This may be helpful is the roof needs to be repaired once again.

19. Water Damage Can Destroy Your Home

We all know how much damage water can do the structure of a house. However, the damage may not be obvious until the roofer is able to remove the existing shingles and conducts an inspection of the decking beneath the shingles. It can be very expensive to repair water damage and will undoubtedly increase the final cost of your roof repair. Nonetheless, it has to be dealt with, because if it is not, in the long run, it may lead to a total roof replacement being required.

20. Skylights And Chimneys Add to the Cost

Skylights and chimneys, as well as other rooftop elements you have that may be unique, can also increase the price of a roofing job. You should ask the roofer to check these features for leaks or damages while the shingles are being assessed – it may be most cost-efficient to for these to be replaced at the same time. The roofer will need to work around the unique features even if they do not need to be replaced, however, there will be additional costs ad the roofer works around these features – you can expect to pay an average of $400 extra with prices ranging from $300 to $500. Also, consider flashing around the chimney may need attention. If so, repairs average $350 with prices ranging from $200 to $500. It is important to realize that different roofing contractors can have prices that vary enormously, so shop around and it is wise to be judicious, check out the contractors who are hiring because if you are given an estimate with a very low price it may be that the roofer is not working legally.

Source:

1. “The Most Common Commercial Roofing Problems Solved.” Roof Repair | Renco Roofing | Phoenix, AZ | Roofing Company, 22 Mar. 2019, www.rencoroofing.com/the-most-common-commercial-roofing-problems-solved/.
2. “Top 5 PHX Roof Problems | Allstate ROofing.” Allstate Roofing of Arizona, 9 May 2019, www.allstateroofingaz.com/roof-repair/the-top-5-phoenix-roof-problems/.

Roof Repair in Mesa & Phoenix by Right Way Roofing, Inc. 

Your roof is what keeps your home dry during rainstorms and protects the interior of your home from leaks, mold, and mildew. If you have a roof that hasn’t been taken care of by previous owners or has been damaged talk to the roofing repair experts at Right Way Roofing, Inc.  Our roof inspection team finds the damage fast, identifies the source of leaks, and provides affordable repairs.  The repairs and replacement roofing we offer is the highest quality and longest lasting roofing solutions available.

During the past fifty years roof framing has changed considerably. Trusses are now used insread of roof rafters in more than four in five new homes being built in the USA. So what are the differences? Read on to learn more!

Rafters

Rafters are the traditional choice and are typically cut and assembled on the jobsite by a skilled carpenter, Usually made from framing boards that are sloped in dimensions of 2×10’s or 2×8’s connecting the ridge board to the exterior wall plates and secured at the bottom end by ceiling joists. Colalr ties are then utilized to keep therafters and roof planes in one place.

Rafters Advantages

Although not as common as they used to be because of their greater cost, there some advantages to using rafters. it is flexible and can be alterned with the structure being comrpomised allowing the creation of open spaces beneath the roof. This makes it ideal for the addition of a home office, storage or an additional bedroom. They also take a shorter lead time to prepare so if the need is great the work can be completed in more of a timely manner. They are also well suited to remote locations as transporting trusses is more complex.

Roof Trusses

Trusses are engineered lightweight unis comprising of bottom and top chords that are in turn supported by a webbing made from limber in a triangular shape.

Trusses Advantages

As they are pre-made and fit to your individual specifications, the yare far more economical than roof rafters. Although made with smaller lumber they are also very stable and extremely strong as well as being able to span distances of sixty feet! Hence, reducing the need for walls that are load bearing and permitting a floor plan that is more open in nature. It is also more eco friendly in that it uses smaller amounts of lumber and generates less wood wastage.

The Disadvantage Of Trusses

On the downside a prebuilt truss system is very heavy and not easy to transport or move into place. The webbing that provides support to the chords takes up space underneath – a disadvantage if you want to utilize the space underneath. Also once a truss system has been installed it will be very difficult and dangerous to move it and will need the services of a professional engineer.

Roof Repair in Mesa & Phoenix by Right Way Roofing, Inc. 

If you live in Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale, Chandler, Tempe, Apache Junction or anywhere in the Phoenix valley and you have a damaged or leaking roof, Right Way Roofing can help. We can do the work finding the damaged area, recommend the most affordable repairs, and get the job done the Right Way. Roof repair is our business and we strive for the highest customer satisfaction by using the best materials and giving every job our full attention. Give us a call to get your roof repaired by calling 480-232-5458 (East Valley) or 602-299-8851 (West Valley). Learn more about roof repair cost in Phoenix.

High winds cause damage to roof even if there is not harmful weather conditions. There are many kinds of wind that can cause roof damage such as missing shingles, leaks and problems with guttering. Most shingles are designed to stand up to winds of 90 mph but roof damage can occur with winds of just 50 mph. Read on to learn more.

Wind Damage

High winds do not spread evenly across the roof service. In most situations, the edges and corners of the roof are more likely to be damaged by high winds. The wind can damage a shingle by curling it up and ripping it off the roof. This can cause leaks in the area of the roof that have now been exposed.

Lifting is another issue that can be hard to recognize. The shingles may look undamaged from ground level but a suction from high winds can have the effect of lifting the shingles in an upward direction, the nails that hold them down are loosening. When this occurs, leaks can be the result as the sealant between individual layers can be broken.

Another aspect to consider is high winds cause debris and limbs from trees can damage your roof, destoying the roof shingles and causing punctures to the roof. Also do not overlook loose items in your garden. for example, garden furniture when blown upwards by the wind can cause damage to your roof as well.

Spotting Wind Damage

• Chimney flashing may be broken or split as it can easily be damaged by high winds.
• Guttering can be damaged by shingles getting stuck in there and you can look out to see if you can find an excess of shingle granules in the gutter. If you see this, a roofing professional should be contacted right away.
• As discussed above shingles can be lifted up, loosening the nails and breaking the sealents between individual layers – this can be hard to identify from ground level.
• Also as discussed above, curling shingles cannot keep water out of the roof. Usually found at the edges and the corners of roofs, curling tiles need to be replaced.
• Obviously heavy winds can cause shingles to be lost.
• Roof leaks are probably the easiest to find as you will see water entering your house. If you find an area that is leaking, you should contact a roofing professional without delay.

Roof Repair in Mesa & Phoenix by Right Way Roofing, Inc. 

If you live in Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale, Chandler, Tempe, Apache Junction or anywhere in the Phoenix valley and you have a damaged or leaking roof, Right Way Roofing can help. We can do the work finding the damaged area, recommend the most affordable repairs, and get the job done the Right Way. Roof repair is our business and we strive for the highest customer satisfaction by using the best materials and giving every job our full attention. Give us a call to get your roof repaired by calling 480-232-5458 (East Valley) or 602-299-8851 (West Valley). Learn more about roof repair cost in Phoenix.

A harsh, cold or wet winter can put great stress on roofs. it is important to understand what can cause a roof collapse as the structure underneath will more often than not be compromised as well. Read on to learn more.

Investigation

When investigating a roof collapse it is important to determine if the roof was originally a flat roof or a pitched roof. Most collapses happen to flat roofs and an engineer will perform an inspection to ascertain the cause of the collapse in part by reviewing the designs and specifications of the roof structure. In particular he will look for what is known as additional deflection which can cause ponding on flat roofs. Obviously this adds weight to the roof, causing it to initially bend in the middle, raising the edges of the roof over time. It may also start to accumulate snow that way.

Causation Of Deflection

Some things engineers look for following an roof collapse include:

• Was there additional maertial or devices on the roof cuasing additional stress to the roofing structure?
• Was there what is known as a collateral load by attaching additional equipment to the memvers of the roofs structure creating an additional laod for the roof to carry that it was not orignally designed to do?
• Was it caused by a code event? This is jargon for the cause of the collapse usally being the fault of a natural phenomena such as snow, wind or rain.

Additional Factors

• Did the building owner make roof modifications without fully taking into account the initial capacity and design of the roof?
• Did the roof meet the codes of the ruling governing body?
• Was the roof built using the equipment and materials as stated by the specifications and plans?
• Did the structure itself meet the codes of the ruling governing body?
• Did the owner of the structure exercise good maintenance practices to ensure snow or water would not accumulate on thge surface of the roof or the structure itself to minimize increases to the load of the roof?

Roof Repair in Mesa & Phoenix by Right Way Roofing, Inc. 

If you live in Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale, Chandler, Tempe, Apache Junction or anywhere in the Phoenix valley and you have a damaged or leaking roof, Right Way Roofing can help. We can do the work finding the damaged area, recommend the most affordable repairs, and get the job done the Right Way. Roof repair is our business and we strive for the highest customer satisfaction by using the best materials and giving every job our full attention. Give us a call to get your roof repaired by calling 480-232-5458 (East Valley) or 602-299-8851 (West Valley). Learn more about roof repair cost in Phoenix.